Oakland - State Representative Mike Perkins (R-Oakland) today announced that he will be running for the Maine Senate to represent the people of District 16. Perkins had been a candidate for Maine’s Second Congressional District, but has opted to run for Maine Senate to continue serving his community in the Maine Legislature.
“I am grateful to those who supported my congressional run, and I value all of the conversations I had with folks on the campaign trail. However, I’ve come to the decision that I would like to work for my community in the Maine Senate, where I believe I can have more of a direct impact on policy that will get Maine on the right track,” said Rep. Perkins. “Mainers need people at the State House who understand the challenges they’re facing. I do - I’ve worked any job I had to in order to earn a living, and my goal is to make it easier for my friends and neighbors to support their families and enjoy life in this beautiful state without the government telling them what to do at every turn.”
A veteran of the United States Air Force, Rep. Perkins has worked both as a full-time police officer in Oakland and as a patrol deputy for the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department. Currently, he is a school bus driver/safety director for RSU 18 and also owns the KMD Driving School. He has also worked as a truck driver, worked on a farm, and mowed lawns to earn a living.
Rep. Perkins was first elected to the Maine House of Representatives in 2016 as the representative for District 77, Sidney and Oakland. During his three terms in the House he has served on the Transportation Committee and currently serves as the committee’s ranking Republican representative. In addition to his legislative service, Rep. Perkins has also served his community as a member of the Oakland Town Council. He has chaired the council for over a decade.
“Mike is a down-to-Earth Mainer who works hard every day to help improve his community and his state. I worked with him in the Maine House, and I’ll be very glad to work with him again in the Maine Senate. His commonsense approach and his lifetime of practical experience will make him an excellent State Senator,” said Senate Republican Leader Jeff Timberlake (R-Androscoggin).
“I’ve been very fortunate to have Rep. Perkins as an ally in working for the people of Kennebec County in the legislature and I know he will be an outstanding state senator,” said Assistant Senate Republican Leader Matt Pouliot (R-Kennebec). “He’s a tireless advocate for working Mainers and brings a valuable perspective and approach to legislative policy debates. I look forward to having him join us in the Senate.”
Senate District 16 consists of the Kennebec County municipalities of Albion, Oakland, Waterville, Winslow, and the Somerset County municipality of Fairfield.
